It’s just under 10 years since Mandate launched our Respect Retail Workers campaign. This important campaign helped to highlight the many instances of verbal and physical abuse in the workplace that our members face on a daily basis. However, our campaign could and should be doing more to challenge employers and Irish legislators to initiate an environment in the Irish retail sector where abusive behaviour, violence and the threat of violence against retail workers will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

Recently there has been growing concerns expressed by Mandate members who say there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of verbal and physical abuse in the workplace. It is in this context that we are asking you to take a few minutes from your busy day to complete this survey to help us build towards a safer working environment ensuring workers feel valued and respected.

There are many strands to the Respect Retail Workers campaign and it continues to be a substantial and ongoing body of work. By completing this survey you can tell your story and support our campaign in achieving the following campaign aims and objectives:

The establishment of a safer and more welcoming retail environment for workers and consumers alike

Development of effective workplace policies to deal with violence and abuse

Creation of mechanisms to deal with the victims of workplace violence and abuse

The promotion of Respect for Retail Workers throughout Irish society

To lobby for legislative changes in order to tackle the issue of retail abuse, violence and the subsequent trauma experienced by workers, and to ensure the issue is given a higher priority at Government level

To engage proactively with all relevant stakeholders on the issue of Respect for Retail Workers

I’d urge every retail worker throughout the country to take a few minutes to complete this vitally important survey. Tell your work colleagues about the survey and encourage them to complete it as well. If we all work together we can achieve great change and importantly deliver on the biggest challenge of all, which is Respect for Retail Workers in Ireland.